Half of all men and one third of all women will develop cancer in their lifetimes. As of 2002, there were more than 10 million people in the United States living as cancer survivors.[1] Despite these numbers, primary care physicians and other healthcare providers often are not familiar enough with the consequences of cancer, and seldom receive explicit guidance from oncologists.
The lack of clear evidence for what constitutes best practices in caring for patients with a history of cancer contributes to wide variation in care. The Institute of Medicine report called From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition cites shortfalls in the care currently provided to the country's cancer survivors.
The report recommends that each cancer patient receive a “survivorship care plan.” This plan summarizes information critical to the individual's long-term care, such as the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and potential consequences; the timing and content of follow-up visits; tips on cancer prevention and on maintaining a healthy lifestyle; legal rights affecting employment and insurance; and the availability of psychological and support services.
Besides being at risk for recurrence of cancer and for developing new cancers, survivors may face psychological distress, sexual dysfunction, infertility, impaired organ function, cosmetic changes, and limitations in mobility and cognition. All of these deserve attention.
Advances in the detection and treatment of cancer, combined with an aging population, mean greater numbers of cancer survivors in the near future: As this number increases, it is essential that oncologists, primary care doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and others who are involved in survivors' care begin to recognize cancer survivorship as a distinct phase of cancer care.
Cancer survivorship should be treated for the long term, and innovative models can provide the survivor with coordinated, effective, ongoing care.
That's my opinion. I'm Dr. Harvey Fineberg, President of the Institute of Medicine.
Sign Up now for a free monthly email that brings you the top features from MedGenMed.
Readers are encouraged to respond to George Lundberg, MD, Editor of MedGenMed, for the editor's eye only or for possible publication via email: glundberg@medscape.net
References
- 1.Institute of Medicine. From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2006. p. 23. [Google Scholar]
